A GROUP of cancer survivors will mark the start of a charity 24-hour relay race this weekend with an emotional lap of honour.

Twenty-eight men and women, wearing lilac T-shirts bearing the word survivor, will step onto the track at Redcar Rugby Club as their names are called by event organiser and two-time breast cancer survivor Sharyn Clarkson, of Redcar.

The Cancer Research UK event will start at 10am on Saturday, and end 24 hours later.

The youngest cancer survivor taking part will be Laura Darby, of Redcar, who was treated for leukaemia as a toddler and has overcome all the odds to recently have a baby.

The survivors' lap will also include two members of Mrs Clarkson's family - her daughter-in-law, Ali Clarkson, who has recently been treated for cervical cancer, and her father-in-law, Ralph Clarkson, who has beaten bowel cancer.

Following the opening ceremony, members of the 17 teams taking part will crowd onto the pitch at Redcar Rugby Club as the unique fundraising event gets under way.

Mrs Clarkson said: "Cancer Research UK's Relay For Life is about being part of a community united in the belief it can make a difference and take a stand against cancer.

"It is a unique event, with a celebratory atmosphere and everyone who joins in will take away something special."

All the money raised will go to Cancer Research UK.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out to watch the event and one of the highlights of the event will be the Candle of Hope ceremony at dusk.